A Rock is a Rock. Until it's Not.

I have recently been captivated by a second-round viewing of the Scorpion television series. 

Top left to right: Cabe, Walter, Sylvester, Paige, Happy, Toby, Patty, Ralph
Photo: Scorpion TV Series International Fan page

A group of misfits. A group of genius (extraordinary high IQ) misfits creates a company (Scorpion) focused on saving the world with creative who-does-that solutions while bringing them closer together as a family. 

With their stratospheric IQ numbers, they also realize the need to interact with ‘humans’. They hire a waitress to help them with their EQ. It turns out that her son has an IQ that exceeds that of most Scorpion members. A trade is created: The waitress helps Scorpion raise their emotional intelligence and Scorpion helps the waitress raise her genius son.

In this episode, Sly, and the Family Stone (Season 3) everyone travels to Ireland for Pattern Day and Cemetery Sunday. Walter’s sister Meghan had been buried in her Irish birthplace.

While there, the Scorpion team discovers that the local lake will soon explode sending a poisonous gas that will kill all those taking part in the events of the day.

Of course, the day is saved.

But the focus here is something that happens after they return home.

Sylvester (Sly) is talking to Walter. (Credit: TV Show Transcripts)

“Uncle Tobin told me about the village tradition of taking a stone from the bottom of the lake and giving it to a family member. It's, uh, supposed to symbolize that you'd go to the depths for them.  Megan brought you and me together and made us brothers. But that's not the end of it. Toby, Happy, Cabe, Paige, Ralph, e-even Tim. They're our family. Blood doesn't make a family. Love makes a family. Anyway... Tobin told me nobody ever gave you a stone from the lake.”

Walter replies.

“Sly, you're my family. Even if you hadn't married my sister.”

And so, it’s happily ever after until the next episode.

We love our families. We probably tell them occasionally. Sometimes, we might even prove it through selfless acts of kindness. 

But it was the symbolism that made me stop and think a bit. 

What an impressive statement when one person dives to the bottom of a cold lake, selects and retrieves an old rock to be given to a family member as a reminder to this person that they are never alone, that no matter what, the diver is all-in. Making a purposeful trip to the muddy bottom for a gift signifying dedication, love, loyalty, and so much more seems a little weird, yet enormously impactful. 

It's true that we use symbols in much the same way at times. The exchange of wedding rings is one example. It’s a significant event and deserves to be recognized along with its promises. But I think what was most impressive to me in the tradition of the stone was the randomness, the unexpected ‘this-is-what-I-think-of-you” surprise. 

It seems to me we should do more of this.  We could adopt old and antiquated traditions or create our own. The point is, to show someone just how much you care. Let them hold a reminder in their hand that confirms the depths you’re willing to go. 

This can only happen if you're willing to go the extra mile. It will take research. It will take thoughtful consideration. It will take energy. Yes, it will take something from you.  But the gift will more than replace the energy that was spent.

And if you do, I hope you’ll share your story!  The world needs to hear more about this kind of love, generosity, and commitment 

Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything and that He had come from God and would return to God. So, He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him. ... “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:3-5, 34)

Just one more thing.

After a short pause, Sly continues the conversation.

“In all honesty, I didn't get the stone from the lake. I got it from the shore. It's the thought that counts. “

Walter didn’t care.

But a couple of seconds later, Sylvester (a germaphobe) says, “There was a lot of algae and bacteria by the shore, so I-I actually got it from your parents' driveway. I got it from outside the garage. I was worried about taking a stone through customs.” 

“It still means a lot,” replies Walter.

Imagine that. A 'little' means a 'lot'. So maybe the expenditure of energy won't be so difficult after all. I would bet that if one of us managed the story (as written) in our own life, we would create a moment of tears and hugs. Words of love would be spoken. That stone would earn a place of honor and there it would stay - for decades or more.

Recap for more episode details.